Crewe win after six draws 'just what was needed'

All five of Jack Lankester's goals so far this season have come at Crewe Alexandra's Mornflake Stadium [Getty Images] Crewe Alexandra midfielder Jack Lankester says their 3-1 win over Bristol Rovers was exactly what was needed after a run of six straight draws in League Two. Having had to settle for single points against Port Vale, Walsall, York City, Colchester United, Shrewsbury Town and Rotherham United, the Alex returned to winning ways in style with a confident victory over the Gas. Lankester's opening goal after 38 seconds got Crewe off to the perfect start and he later added a second from the spot. Jordan Gibson made the points safe after half-time before Rovers grabbed a stunning consolation as Bobby Kamwa scored from midway inside his own half. The victory lifted Crewe into third place and Lankester said the result put a valuable gloss on their recent run. "That's what we've needed. I think it's been coming," he told BBC Radio Stoke. "I said before the game, the draws look a lot better if we come away with a win and that's what we did. "Suddenly we're still undefeated and in a great position in the league." Lankester said he had no problem being substituted just after the hour mark, to be replaced by Conor Thomas, despite being on a hat-trick. "I'd love to get a hat-trick but the way the game was going the personnel change -bring CT on - just solidifies us as a team. "The most important thing is coming away with three points and that's what we did." Lankester's double was his second of the season, having scored twice against Aston Villa's Under-21 side in the EFL Trophy 11 days earlier. It took his tally to five in 11 games this term, after an injury-hit 2025-26, and has given him - and the Alex - a timely boost. "I think the two goals in the week really helped to give me confidence. I've now got five in ten or so games - hopefully I can continue that," he added. All the latest Crewe Alexandra news